Angel Gabriel and the Archangel Michael
Divine Winged Creatures of the Bible and the Christmas Story
Dec 20, 2008
Who is Gabriel? Who is Michael? What is an archangel? What are the duties of angels? How many are there? Where do angels live? Is there a line of authority amongst them?
There are two angels mentioned by their names in the Bible, Gabriel and the Archangel, Michael. The word archangel is derived from the, "...Greek word, archaggelos...." which means, "first" (within some divine ranking system) and "messenger". [1].
It is not known what the true form of an angel is, yet, when they appear before humans they are in human form, youthful in appearance, sometimes dazzling and winged. Except for Satan and his crew of miscreant angels, those who remained faithful to God live in the heavens, yet, Satan appears to have free access to Earth and Heaven, (Job 1:6).[2].
The Angel Gabriel
In contrast to Michael's warlike persona, is Gabriel's softer image. It does not appear that he is an archangel, yet, an angel who presents God-declared pertinent messages. He appears to take on the role of God's personal divine herald.
It was Gabriel who announced to Mary that she would bear God's son, Jesus, according to scripture. He also appeared to Zacharias, an aged priest within the temple of Jerusalem. Gabriel informed Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth, (who had been childless throughout her adult life) would bear a son.
Gabriel instructed Zacharias to call their son by the name of John. This child would later be known as John the Baptist who heralded Jesus' forthcoming ministry and who was later beheaded by Herod Antipas.
Zacharias did not believe Gabriel and was struck dumb until the time of his son's birth. When Zacharias was asked what the name of the boy would be, he wrote down the name of John. His ability to speak was then restored (Luke 1:5-38). [3].
The Archangel Michael
Michael, whose name means, "There is none like God," is referenced several times throughout the Bible. He contended with Satan over the body of Moses:
"But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses..." (Jude 1:9). [4].
Michael, along with his host of angels is also credited with defeating Satan and Satan's league of renegade angels when they rebelled against God: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." (Revelation 12:7-8). [5].
Michael's modus operandi appears to be that of a warrior, a fighting angelic being. With Michael's help the angel Gabriel was able to appear to the prophet Daniel.
Daniel had been unable to interpret some of his visions. Detained from visiting Daniel by some resisting force - Gabriel identified, as, "...prince of the king of Persia," Michael cleared the way for him (Daniel 10:13).[6].
Angels in General
According to scripture, there are so many angels they cannot be counted, yet, God has a personal relationship with each one of them.
Their duties include the following:
- Praise and worship to God;
- Helping the believers of God;
- Delivering messages;
- Executing judgment; and,
- Help during emergencies.
Regarding the birth of Christ, there were multitudes of angels proclaiming the good news of Jesus' birth to shepherds caring for their flocks of sheep. (Luke 2:8-14). [7].
Sources
[1,5] Angels and Archangels
[3,4,6,7].New American Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee 37234, no
date of publication, pgs. 512, 892, 1011,1012,1014, 1214.
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